Pair of Early 19th Century French Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Incence Burners or Candlesticks so-called “Cassolettes” in the Manner of Claude Galle (1759-1815):
Excellent pair of elaborately chiseled gilt and patinated bronze incense burner vases which can also be used as candlesticks. On a high rectangular patiated bronze base with gilt bronze mounts in shape of two foliage decorates lozenge vignettes, the Napoleonic Imperial eagle and a Hercules’ mascaron a neoclassical Medici-shaped gilt and patinated bronze vase on a round gilt-bronze foot, decorated with friezes of fine cannelure on a polished gilt-bronze ground. A high rim with an intricate floral frieze allows the vaporation of incences and flower potpourris. The domed cover with a pinacle knob also shows intricate flower decoration. When turned upside down, it reveales a bobeche which allows the vase to be used as a candlestick.
The quality of the gilding treated in matt and shiny, as well as a precise and handcut floral decoration of rim and cover, make this pair of cassolettes a perfect example of the best of the productions of the Empire by one of the most prestigious workshops in the manner of Claude Galle (1759-1815): having been received as a maître in 1786, Galle nearly immediately gained many commissions from the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne and then enjoyed significant patronage under Emperor Napoleon. He is known to have collaborated with Pierre-Philippe Thomire (1751-1843) and was responsible for the majority of bronzes d’ameublement supplied during the Empire to Château de Fontainebleau and other palaces. The world’s finest collections exhibiting his work, i.e. Musée National de Château de Malmaison, the Musée Marmottan in Paris, the Museo de Reloges at Jerez de la Frontera, the Residenz Munich and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Condition: very good, min. wear consistent with age and use, min. fading, 1 min. loss at the frieze of the cover – detailed condition report on request
